- Acetylcysteine, is a medication used to treat paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose and to loosen thick mucus such as in cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It can be taken intravenously, by mouth, or inhaled as a mist.
- A mucolytic used to reduce the viscosity of lung secretions, and thought to improve O2 delivery and consumption by replenishing glutathione stores; acetylcysteine is also used orally or IV as an antidote, and minimises hepatocellular necrosis in patients with fulminant liver failure due to acetaminophen overdose. Acetylcysteine has also been used for treating dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) and as an enema for managing bowel obstruction caused by meconium ileus.
Synonyms
N-acetylcysteine, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, (NAC)